This accessible text provides a lively introduction to the essential skills of creative problem solving. Using extensive case-studies and examples from a range of business situations, it explores various problem-solving theories and techniques, illustrating how these can be used to solve a range of management problems. Thoroughly revised and redesigned, this new edition retains the accessible and imaginative approach to problem-solving skills of the first edition. Contents include: * blocks to creativity and how to overcome them * key techniques including lateral thinking, morphological analysis and synectics * computer-assisted problem solving * increased coverage of group problem-solving techniques and paradigm shift. As creativity is increasingly recognized as a key skill for successful managers, this book will be welcomed as a comprehensive introduction for students and practising managers alike.

This updated text provides a lively introduction to the essential skills of creative problem solving. Using extensive case-studies and examples from a wide range of business situations, it explores a wide range of problem-solving theories and techniques, illustrating how these can be used to solve a range of management problems. Thoroughly revised and redesigned, this new edition retains the accessible and imaginative approach to problem solving skills of the first edition. Contents include: blocks to creativity and how to overcome them key techniques including lateral thinking, morphological analysis and synectics computer-assisted problem solving increased coverage of group problem solving techniques and paradigm shift. As creativity is increasingly recognized as a key skill for successful managers, this book will be welcomed as a comprehensive introduction for students and practising managers alike.

Offers an introduction to the ideas and skills of solving problems creatively in the world of business and management.

Stimulating and developing the creative potential of all members of an organization (not just those in the more traditionally creative functions such as design or research and development) is widely seen as contributing to performance and results. This textbook introduces ideas, skills and models to help students understanding how creative thinking can aid problem-solving. The latest edition of this well-regarded book brings the story up to date whilst retaining popular features such as case studies and case histories together with extensive diagrams, examples and thought-provoking questions. New to this edition are sections on thinking styles and types, creativity and its role in innovation, implementation, and software aids to creativity. This rounded textbook will continue to be an ideal resource for a range of courses and modules across the business school curriculum including problem-solving, strategic management, creativity and innovation management.

Creative problem solving (CPS) is a six-step process designed to help people systematically resolve nonroutine, ambiguous types of problems. Because most organizational problems tend to be nonroutine, skill in using CPS process can confer a significant competitive advantage. Creative Problem Solving gives training managers the information they need to develop and teach a course on CPS. VanGundy provides an overview of the process, elements of the creative climate needed to foster CPS and innovative thinking, creative thinking exercises designed to illustrate specific CPS principles, and easy-to-follow descriptions of proven idea-generated methods.

Creativity and Innovation for Managers will appeal to any manager responsible for getting more out of a business. Creative thinking, creative problem solving and creative idea generation have become essential business drivers. This book provides an excellent executive briefing for senior management to understand what business creativity is, how it can benefit the company, and how to get the most out of it. It looks at the pitfalls on the road to innovation and the ways to avoid them, pulling together the experiences of key practitioners in the field both in the UK and the US. By concentrating on the essentials, Creativity and Innovation In Brief is a waffle-free approach to creativity, providing a quick action focused and accessible insight into a complex topic. It provides; - a practical approach to business creativity without the hype; - an agenda for making innovation happen in your business - a real world view.